After Tottenham’s Struggles, Thomas Frank Finds His Next Mbeumo in “Phenomenal” Spurs Star

After Tottenham Hotspur finished 17th in the Premier League last season, new boss Thomas Frank was always facing a daunting task—especially without the trusted presence of Bryan Mbeumo.

During his time at Brentford, Frank could consistently rely on the Cameroonian attacker to deliver in the final third, a key factor in his successful tenure across the capital. Mbeumo enjoyed the best season of his career in 2024/25, netting 20 Premier League goals under Frank’s guidance and cementing his place among the league’s most clinical forwards.

Such form led Frank to attempt to bring the forward with him to Spurs after his appointment, but Mbeumo instead opted for a £71m move to Manchester United. Missing out on the player was a bitter blow, yet Frank responded by looking elsewhere to strengthen Tottenham’s attacking options.

Kudus’ Arrival in North London
In his first transfer window with Spurs, Frank sanctioned the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, a deal that sparked plenty of debate. The Ghanaian arrived with big expectations, and while he has yet to score for the club, he has already made an impact with his creativity and dynamism.

Kudus has recorded four assists in his first nine appearances across all competitions, frequently unsettling opposition defenses with his pace and flair. His cameo against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League—where he completed five dribbles in just 30 minutes—was further evidence of his ability to trouble defenders at the highest level.

Despite his impressive start, however, it may not be Kudus who ultimately fills the Mbeumo-shaped gap for Frank.

The Spurs Star Who Could Be Frank’s Next Mbeumo
Instead, the player who could emerge as Frank’s new Mbeumo is Brennan Johnson. The Welsh attacker has long been admired by the Danish manager, who made several attempts to sign him during his Brentford days when Johnson was still at Nottingham Forest.

Those efforts failed, but Tottenham eventually secured Johnson in a £47.5m deal in the summer of 2023. Since then, he has slowly carved out his place in the squad, showing glimpses of the quality Frank has always believed in.

Johnson delivered 18 goals in all competitions last season—more than any other Spurs player—including the decisive strike in the Europa League final. Labeled “phenomenal” by one analyst, his tally highlights a clinical edge reminiscent of Mbeumo’s.

The comparison between the two forwards is striking. Both thrive operating from the right flank but are equally capable of playing through the middle. Both also have the knack of stepping up with crucial goals, even after quiet spells in matches. Johnson demonstrated this trait during the Carabao Cup against Doncaster Rovers, when he struck at a key moment to turn the game in Tottenham’s favour.

Frank’s Faith in Johnson
Game time has become more limited for Johnson following Kudus’ arrival, yet Frank’s long-standing admiration suggests he remains central to the manager’s vision. Having previously tried to sign him on multiple occasions, Frank knows the qualities the Welshman brings and believes he can develop into Tottenham’s equivalent of Mbeumo.

Johnson, at 24, is still a player who thrives on confidence. For him to reach the same heights as Mbeumo, Frank will need to back him, nurture his belief, and provide him with the right environment to flourish.

If that happens, Tottenham may not only have a replacement for Mbeumo, but also a star who could become one of the Premier League’s most decisive forwards in the years ahead.